Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.

Grade: 03

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.2

Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram.

Grade: 03

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.2a

Represent a fraction 1/b on a number line diagram by defining the interval from 0 to 1 as the whole and partitioning it into b equal parts. Recognize that each part has size 1/b and that the endpoint of the part based at 0 locates the number 1/b on the number line.

Grade: 03

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.2b

Represent a fraction a/b on a number line diagram by marking off a lengths 1/b from 0. Recognize that the resulting interval has size a/b and that its endpoint locates the number a/b on the number line.

Grade: 03

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.3

Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.

Grade: 03

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.3a

Understand two fractions as equivalent (equal) if they are the same size, or the same point on a number line.

Express whole numbers as fractions, and recognize fractions that are equivalent to whole numbers. Examples: Express 3 in the form 3 = 3/1; recognize that 6/1 = 6; locate 4/4 and 1 at the same point of a number line diagram.

Grade: 04

CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.B.4

Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions by using information presented in line plots. For example, from a line plot find and interpret the difference in length between the longest and shortest specimens in an insect collection.

Grade: 04

CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.A.1

Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n × a)/(n × b) by using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size. Use this principle to recognize and generate equivalent fractions.

Grade: 04

CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.A.2

Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, e.g., by creating common denominators or numerators, or by comparing to a benchmark fraction such as 1/2. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

Grade: 05

CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.B.2

Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Use operations on fractions for this grade to solve problems involving information presented in line plots. For example, given different measurements of liquid in identical beakers, find the amount of liquid each beaker would contain if the total amount in all the beakers were redistributed equally.

Grade: 06

CCSS.Math.Content.6.RP.A.1

Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to describe a ratio relationship between two quantities. For example, “The ratio of wings to beaks in the bird house at the zoo was 2:1, because for every 2 wings there was 1 beak.” “For every vote candidate A received, candidate C received nearly three votes.”

Grade: 07

CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.1

Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions, including ratios of lengths, areas and other quantities measured in like or different units. For example, if a person walks 1/2 mile in each 1/4 hour, compute the unit rate as the complex fraction 1/2/1/4 miles per hour, equivalently 2 miles per hour.

Students will:

Identify parts of a whole and their corresponding fractions.

Match pictures of fractions to the correct fractional amount in online game play and in-class activities.

Materials:

Internet access for BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr.

Computers for students to use independently or with partners

Interactive whiteboard (or just an LCD projector)

Preparation:

This game uses a free online math game developed by the Center for Game Science. Treefrog Treasure allows players to explore different worlds as a frog and learn fractions and numberline concepts. When certain obstacles are reached, a player must properly identify a target symbol, whole number, or fraction on a numberline to collect gems and complete the level. Hints are provided to help the player reach the correct answer when mistakes are made.

To prepare for this lesson, explore the BrainPOP and/or BrainPOP Jr. movie topics on fractions, and determine which ones are most appropriate for your students and learning objectives. Explore the Treefrog Treasure game and determine which level you would like your students to begin on. The first few levels do not involve fractions and provide time for students to acclimate to game play with basic math skills so that they can focus on the more advanced math skills later on. You may prefer to have students skip right to the higher levels.

Lesson Procedure:

Use the Picture Maker to review basic fractional amounts with students. Click on a background color at the bottom of the screen, and have student volunteers click on the objects to show the fractional amounts. To keep all students actively involved, you may want to have the rest of the class do the same thing at their seats using colored pencils and paper, or individual dry erase boards.

Explain to students that they will have the chance to continue matching fractions to pictures of fractional amounts in a game called Treefrog Treasure. Instruct students to begin on the first level if you'd like them to have the opportunity to experiment with how the game works prior to having fractional amounts introduced in it, or you can have them begin on a higher level.

Allow students to play the game independently or with a partner. Most students will not need instructions for game play and will be able to figure it out as they go. Draw students' attention to the hints that are provided if needed. You can also show students how to turn the music off (using the icon in the lower right portion of the screen) if they are distracted by it. The sound effects for the game will continue.

After approximately ten minutes, have students pause the game and talk with one another (or with you via a whole-class discussion) about strategies. How can they tell the correct place to aim their frog? What happens if they aim too low or too high? Which math skills do they need to be proficient at in order to be successful? Provide additional concept reinforcement with other BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. movies about fractions as needed.

Provide another 10-20 minutes for students to finish game play. Any children who finish early can re-play their favorite levels. Many children may not be able to advance past all the levels, but encourage them to work as far as they can.

Allow students to talk about the fractions they encountered during Treefrog Treasure and extend their learning. Have them draw pictures of some of the fractional amounts from the game, then switch papers with a partner and practice writing the corresponding fraction. Let students know they can continue playing Treefrog Treasure at home if they would like to try to advance through all the levels and beat the game!